Colvin wants to stay a Bear

Brian Waddle

08/05/2002

BOURBONNAIS -- Rosevelt Colvin sees the writing on the wall. He just wishes he saw his writing on a new contract.

An unrestricted free agent after this season, Colvin hopes his future is with the Bears. But with the salary cap controlling plenty of moves in the NFL these days, Colvin knows he could be playing his last season in Chicago.

"I'm just dealing with the hand I'm dealt. If the Bears don't feel like they need me around then I guess I won't be around," Colvin said Thursday. "Hopefully we can get something done. All I know is I'm a Bear right now, so I'm just worried about playing the season out and we'll go from there."

The Bears matched the Kansas City Chiefs' four-year, $12 million offer sheet to Warrick Holdman in April, and Mike Caldwell, a starter in Philadelphia last season, was signed as an unrestricted free agent in March. Add in star Brian Urlacher, who will be asking for a bigger contract soon, and it's looking pretty expensive at linebacker.

"They talk about Otis (Wilson), Mike (Singletary) and Wilber (Marshall) and how they performed well together. They talk about the crew they had in Baltimore for a while and the crew they have in Pittsburgh," Colvin said. "We'd love to stay together for three or four more years and try to set up some sort of dynasty. We feel confident about our abilities and what we bring to the table, it's just up to the front office if they want to get it done."

Colvin is coming off a breakout season in which he topped the Bears with 10 1/2 sacks, becoming the first Bears linebacker in 16 years to record double-digit sacks in a single season. Add in personal bests in games played, starts and tackles and you're looking at a guy who deserves and wants to be rewarded for his work.

"Whatever happens will happen," Colvin said. "I'm doing my job now. I can't worry about the other stuff that I can't control. I just have to go out there and prepare myself every day.

"I don't sit there and worry about every phone call my agent (and the Bears) have, but there's been no movement."